South America: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern and western Brazil, and most of Paraguay through Sept. 5

Event

Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, and possible hail storms are forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern and western Brazil, and most of Paraguay through at least Sept. 5.

Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for southern and eastern Chaco, Corrientes, eastern Formosa, and Misiones provinces and yellow thunderstorm warnings across the rest of the affected area Sept. 4.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued red rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across the northern half of Rio Grande do Sul State Sept. 4-5. Rainfall totals of more than 6 cm (2.4 inches) per hour or more than 10 cm (4 inches) per day are forecast in the warning area. Orange rainfall warnings are in place across southern Parana, the rest of Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina states over the same period. Yellow rainfall warnings are in effect across the rest of the affected area.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a special weather bulletin for storms across southern Alto Parana, western and central Caaguazu, Caazapa, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, southern Misiones, northern and southern Neembucu, Paraguari, southeastern Presidente Hayes, and southern San Pedro departments; thunderstorms are forecast across the affected area, as well as possible lightning and hail.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the affected area. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions across parts of the impacted region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Resources

Argentina National Meteorological Service (SMN)
Brazil National Institute of Meteorology (INMET)
Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology
Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET)